Halfway between Wilmington and Jacksonville is Hampstead, an unincorporated town in Pender County that's growing at a rapid pace. The population grew over 70% between 2010 and 2020, and people continue to move in for this coastal community’s schools, nearby beaches and proximity to larger cities. “A lot of people prefer to be close to Surf City,” says Tom Gale, a Realtor with Coldwell Banker Sea Coast Advantage who has also been a resident in the Wilmington area since 1994. “Hampstead is close to Jacksonville and Wilmington for employment, hospitals, shopping and whatever else people are looking for.”
Hampstead is considered a bedroom community because many residents travel out of town for work. Some military members stationed at Camp Lejune live in Hampstead and commute north to the Marine base in Jacksonville. Anyone who works in health care, manufacturing or technology often drives south to Wilmington.
Topsail Beach near Hampstead is a popular beach locals go to for a peaceful jog.
Hampstead residents who work in healthcare at Novant Health have a short commute to work.
Discover waterfront living with coastal home styles and private docks in Hampstead.
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New homes with more on the way
Craftsman and Cape Cod-style homes are concentrated to the east of U.S. Highway 17, and thick forests stretch along the west side. The median price is around $524,000, higher than the $406,100 national median reported by the National Association of Realtors.
Homes with private boat docks are often the most expensive options, while more inland properties start in the $400,000s. New construction is a constant part of Hampstead life. “You’re definitely seeing the area between Jacksonville and Wilmington grow with more communities, and Hampstead is a part of that,” Gale says. “Hanover County is about 96% built out at this point, so any growth that can happen is in Hampstead and beyond.” Salters Haven still has lots available for buyers wanting custom-built homes.
Being so close to the water can pose a flood risk, primarily for homes along waterways. Hurricanes have caused flooding for homes and roads in the past, particularly Hurricane Florence in 2018 and Hurricane Ian in 2022. The rainiest season often lasts from June to October, usually referred to as hurricane season on the East Coast.
Hampstead has gorgeous craftsman home styles with striking architectural detail.
Find charming Cape Cod style homes with spacious lawns in Hampstead.
Hampstead has coastal style waterside homes with private docks and access to the waterways.
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Fishing and relaxing at Topsail Beach
Residents don’t have to travel far from home to find a place to enjoy the outdoors. Surf City and Topsail Beach are roughly 13 miles north with public access to 26 miles of sandy shoreline. There’s also Hampstead Marina for boaters who want to spend a day fishing. Hampstead Kiwanis Park is popular for recreational basketball and seasonal events, like Pender County’s Easter egg hunt. Pender County recently broke ground on upgrades for the park, which will include new athletic courts, a multipurpose field and walkways.
The Pender County Sheriff’s Office responds to calls in Hampstead. According to the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation's 2023 report, Pender County as a whole had a lower crime rate than the state.
Surf City and Topsail Beach near Hampstead has miles of sandy beach and easy access for residents.
Hampstead Marina is a private marina with memberships to take your boat out fishing on the waterways.
Kids love the fun playground at Hampstead Kiwanis Park in Hampstead.
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Pender County Schools draw in new residents
Schools in Hampstead are a driving factor for the area. Pender County Schools gets a B-plus from Niche. South Topsail Elementary School, which gets an A-minus, is within Hampstead’s city limits, but students often bus out to Topsail to attend middle and high school. Topsail Montessori is the only private school in town, and it’s currently unrated by Niche.
Topsail Elementary School is a public school serving students in grades PK, K-4 in Hampstead.
Topsail Middle School is a public school, serves grades 5-8 in Hampstead.
Topsail High School in Hampstead is a public high school in the Pender County School District.
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Highway 17 is the main commercial hallway in town
Hampstead’s churches, restaurants and small shopping centers border Highway 17. The destinations range from locally owned restaurants that serve American classics and seafood dishes to small boutiques that neighbor grocery stores. There are more shopping centers in Wilmington, which is 15 miles south when driving down the highway.
Many residents commute to Wilmington or Jacksonville for work. “We get a lot of people who are in the military and work in Jacksonville," Gale says. "They work farther out, but they like being close to Wilmington.” Driving on Highway 17 often means dealing with heavy traffic, because Hampstead’s rapid growth has caused congestion on the main commuter route. Driving is the sole way to get around town and visit nearby cities. The Hampstead Bypass is currently under construction and aims to make commuting easier. The first half of the project is scheduled to finish in 2026, and the second half will be done around 2030.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Hampstead is a place for families to worship.
Sawmill Grill in Hampstead is a popular family restaurant locals go to for great seafood.
Hampstead residents shop for all of their grocery needs at the Lowes Foods of Hampstead.
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Celebrating spot fish and community
Hampstead is known as the “Seafood Capital of the Carolinas” for its access to waterways and the Atlantic Ocean. Spots are one of the most common types of fish in Hampstead and the town created the North Carolina Spots Festival, a two-day event filled with live music, beer gardens, performances from student bands and spot fish dinners. The festival has been a tradition since 1963.
Hampstead is well known for being the seafood capital of the Carolinas.
Hampstead is popular for its beautiful waterways and scenic beaches nearby.
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Written By
Rylee Doyle
Photography Contributed By
Jon Puckett
Video By
Emily McNamara
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
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an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Hampstead, NC sell after 54 days on the market compared to the national average of 55 days. The median sale price for homes in Hampstead, NC over the last 12 months is $490,000, down 1% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
One-level golf course living at its finest. Perfectly positioned on Ravenswood Road, one of Hampstead's most picturesque streets, this beautifully maintained home overlooks the 16th fairway of Olde Point Country Club and offers an ideal blend of comfort, efficiency, and timeless style.With an acceptable offer, the seller is offering a 2-1 interest rate buydown, giving qualified buyers the
RARELY DOES A PROPERTY OFFER THIS MUCH FLEXIBILITY, PRIVACY, AND POTENTIAL--WELCOME TO 437 HOWARDS LANDING. Set on nearly two acres of tree-lined privacy in the heart of rapidly growing Hampstead, this truly unique property offers an extraordinary combination of space, functionality, and opportunity with no HOA. The home is configured as two separate living spaces, each with its own entrance,
Welcome to this charming ranch-style home in the popular Greenway Plantation subdivision of Hampstead. Built in 1998, this well-maintained 3-bedroom, 2-bath home offers 2,102 square feet of comfortable, open-concept living space on a generous 0.46-acre mature lot.The inviting open floor plan seamlessly connects the spacious kitchen, dining area, and living room, creating an ideal setting for
Welcome home to 638 Ravenswood Road, situated on a full acre in the sought-after Olde Point community!This exceptionally appointed property offers 3 bedrooms and 3.5 bathrooms, blending comfort, flexibility, and standout entertaining spaces you won't find just anywhere.Step inside to a thoughtfully designed layout featuring two full kitchens -- perfect for multigenerational
Welcome home to this beautifully maintained and thoughtfully upgraded 4 bedroom home with a dedicated office and over 2,500 square feet of living space in one of Hampstead's most desirable communities. From the moment you arrive, you'll notice this home is anything but builder grade. Every improvement has been carefully selected to enhance both everyday living and long-term value, creating a home
Welcome to 530 Poppleton Drive in beautiful Hampstead! Situated on over half an acre, this well-maintained home offers the perfect combination of space, comfort, and coastal convenience. An expansive front yard provides excellent curb appeal, while the attached two-car garage offers plenty of room for parking, storage, and hobbies. A standout feature of the home is the large screened-in back
A value-add opportunity in one of coastal North Carolina's fastest-growing corridors. This 1,524 sq ft, 3-bedroom, 2-bath single-family home sits on nearly a full acre in Hampstead's Sloop Point area, just 15 minutes from Surf City's beaches and 30 minutes from both Wilmington and Jacksonville. With no HOA restrictions, an investor has full flexibility to renovate, hold as a rental, or reposition
Oscar Garcia
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Carolina Premier Properties
Set on a spacious 1.14-acre homesite in Hampstead's Mill Creek at Deerfield community, 108 Katydid Court offers a hard-to-find combination of privacy, space, and everyday convenience. Built in 2015 and offering approximately 3,425 square feet of living space, the home enjoys a private wooded setting within the highly regarded Pender County school district, while its location just minutes from
Tucked away on a private 1.25-acre homesite in the sought-after Pelican Reef community, this is the kind of property buyers wait for--and rarely find.Set along the marsh with sweeping views of Virginia Creek, the home offers a level of privacy and natural beauty that's becoming increasingly hard to come by. Mornings unfold slowly here, with coffee on the porch as the marsh comes to life,
Welcome to this well-maintained 4-bedroom, 2.5-bath home in the heart of Hampstead. The thoughtfully designed floor plan offers comfortable living with plenty of space to entertain. Just off the foyer, the formal dining room features classic wainscoting and provides the perfect setting for family dinners and holiday gatherings. The living room flows seamlessly into the kitchen, creating an open
** New fence is being added in front yard**This completely renovated home is located in a water access community, with deeded boat ramp access, and no HOA! Welcome to Washington Acres, a wonderful community close to both Hampstead and Wilmington, within one of the most sought-after school districts as well! This beautiful home has had many thoughtful updates: newly added hardwood flooring
Looking for an affordable coastal lifestyle in Hampstead near the Topsail Beaches? Look no more---we have the perfect property for you! This 2000 model manufactured home in Groves Point has recently been painted, had solar panels installed to greatly reduce electricity bill, butcher block countertops, updated cabinetry and windows, and updates to floors and bathrooms as well. Move in ready.
Primary bedroom on the main level, extra office space, and a loft! Located just 10 minutes outside of Wilmington and about 20 Minutes to Topsail Beaches. This thoughtfully designed Sea Breeze II plan blends comfort, style, and functionality across more than 2,700 square feet built by Hardison Building.From the moment you step inside, the home offers an inviting flow ideal for both everyday
4.24 acres, a private pond, 2024 construction, and no HOA--this is a combination that's getting harder to find. Here, you get the space and privacy so many buyers want without taking on an older home or a long list of projects.Inside, vaulted ceilings open up the main living space, while the kitchen flows naturally into the dining and living areas--keeping everyone connected whether
A great opportunity in the growing Hampstead area, this single-family home offers three bedrooms and one-and-a-half baths with the convenience of single-level living. The property features a carport for covered parking along with additional storage structures for added functionality. With plenty of potential to personalize and make it your own, this home is a great option for buyers looking for
Whitebridge Crossing is an exciting, brand-new apartment-style community in Hampstead, North Carolina. Discover chic living with our selection of stylish townhomes and spacious cottages nestled in the heart of Scotts Hill. Experience boutique resort-style living at Whitebridge Crossing! With just 125 homes, we offer a more intimate, personalized living experience that sets us apart. Our
Welcome to Evolve Soundside! Our luxury living community offers spacious, sophisticated apartment homes with stylish interiors, modern features, and resort-style amenities designed for your lifestyle. Nestled in the heart of Surf City, NC, our community provides the perfect balance of convenience and elegance. Relax by the sparkling pool, stay active in our state-of-the-art fitness center, or
Welcome to Palisades at Surf City Apartments — the pinnacle of elegant, modern living in Hampstead, North Carolina.Our thoughtfully designed one, two, and three-bedroom apartments showcase sophisticated interiors with upscale finishes and contemporary flair. Each home features soaring nine-foot ceilings, spacious walk-in closets, and private balconies that invite you to relax in style.Experience
Welcome to Hawthorne at the Bend, where comfort, convenience, and community come together. Our one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartment homes feature spacious layouts designed to fit your lifestyle, complemented by exceptional amenities and outstanding resident service. Located in the heart of Hampstead, NC, you'll enjoy easy access to local shopping, dining, entertainment, and more. Discover why
Welcome to Hampstead Place, located in the seafood capital of the Carolina! Our open-concept studio and two-bedroom floor plans add a contemporary twist of comfort and style. Experience it all with home features that include refrigerators, dishwashers, and microwaves for meal preparations.All renderings and/or images used are for illustrative purposes only and are intended as a general
Introducing Hawthorne at Hampstead, a brand-new luxury community in Hampstead, North Carolina. Choose from our 1, 2, 3, or 4- bedroom apartments and cottage homes , featuring designer finishes and no detail left untouched. You'll also have access to top-of-the-line resort-style amenities and a prime location.
Property Id: 2736745 BY APPOINTMENT ONLY New construction 4 bedroom, 2.5 bath modular home on more than an acre in a quiet Hampstead cul-de-sac. 2,500 square feet, open floor plan, easy one level living, set on a permanent foundation. No HOA. Parking pad with ample parking space. The cul-de-sac is fully surrounded by a natural area for privacy with no rear neighbors, and sits
Property Id: 2721456 BY APPOINTMENT ONLY New construction 3 bedroom, 2 bath home on more than an acre in a quiet Hampstead cul-de-sac. Single story, open floor plan with 1,276 square feet, attached garage, and easy one level living. No HOA. The cul-de-sac is fully surrounded by a natural area for privacy with no rear neighbors, and sits between two established neighborhoods, close to
Welcome to your new home in the heart of Hampstead, NC. Located conveniently off Country Club Drive, near Olde Point and the public boat ramp. Kiwanis Park is within walking distance. This inviting property offers a perfect blend of comfort and convenience, making it an ideal choice for anyone looking to settle in this charming area. Key property features include spacious bedrooms and
Property Id: 2834799 Be the first to enjoy this beautiful new construction townhome in Brookfield Branch! This thoughtfully designed home offers 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths and a versatile upstairs loft, perfect for a home office, media room or additional living space. The spacious main level features an open layout ideal for everyday living and entertaining. The primary suite is conveniently
Welcome to 112 W Keel Drive, an exquisite 4 bedroom, 3 bathroom residence offering premier coastal living in the waterfront community of Salters Haven. Boasting over 2100 square feet of meticulously designed living space, this home seamlessly blends modern elegance with the relaxed charm of Hampstead.Key Property Features include 4 large bedrooms and 3 full bathrooms, providng ample space for
Lovely 3 bedroom 2 bath home in the Cross Creek Community. Upon entering the home from the front porch or the garage, the entry hall leads into the open living room and dining area. The dining area also opens to the beautiful kitchen offering lots of cabinet space. The spare bedrooms are on the right front side of the home along with a full hall bath for shared use. To the left of the living
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